Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cllr Andrew Gant declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 19 b) related to Summertown, namely as resident on one of the roads affected. Cllr Andrew Gant declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest regarding item 19 a) Cowley Central East, namely as trustee of a charity which manages a community space on the same development. Cllr Andrew Gant declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest regarding item 19 d) Cutteslowe and e) North Summertown as the roads affected were within Cllr. Andrew Gant’s division.

Cllr Pete Sudbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change Delivery and Environment, was appointed to chair item 6 and make the decision.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet Member’s delegated powers.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time

There were none.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to speak must be submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting.  Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk .

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9 am 2 working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

The following speakers addressed the meeting:

NOTE: At the conclusion of item 5, the Chair, Cllr Andrew Gant – Cabinet Minister for Highway Management, considered item 7 followed by the remaining items in order as per the agenda. Item 6 was considered last on the agenda by Cllr Pete Sudbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change Delivery and Environment.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/119

Contact: Jacqui Cox, Principal Infrastructure Planner, jacqui.cox@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM5).

To seek approval of the LCWIP policy for the Banbury (and neighbouring areas).

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the Banbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

The LCWIP report identified a network of walking and cycling routes in and around Banbury and proposed improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure as well as consultation responses.

The Chair invited the speakers, in turn, to address the meeting and responded to points raised.

The Chair read out a written submission from Cllr Mark Cherry who was in support of the scheme.

Officers noted the issues raised regarding the lack of secure parking and concern about the scheme having a negative impact on the town. Officers would make some slight amendments to the scheme and formulate a walking plan for the town centre.

The Chair thanked everyone who had responded to the consultation and commented that every response had been read by officers which had led to significant alterations to the plan.

The Chair thanked the speakers and agreed with their comments, particularly that traffic was ‘swamping’ the town.

The Chair reiterated the Councils priority for the county was to reclaim space for people to use the environment in a way that was sustainable, good for the environment and better for mental and physical health.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the Banbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/054

Contact: James Whiting, Principal Officer, james.whiting@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM6).

To consider any objections arising from the formal Statutory consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following proposals in respect of eligibility for parking permits as advertised:

a)    Cowley Central East – exclude the car free development at No.242a Barns Road from eligibility to apply for resident's parking permits & residents' visitors parking permits,

b)    Summertown – allow Grove House, St James Row, No.3 Grove Street to be eligible for one resident's parking permit and residents' visitors' parking permits,

c)     Jericho – allow No.1 Canal Street to apply for resident's parking permits & residents' visitors parking permits,

d)    Cutteslowe - exclude No.37 Templar Road from eligibility for resident's parking permits and residents' visitors' parking permits

e)    North Summertown – exclude the five new dwellings at No.4 Bladon Close from eligibility for resident's parking permits and residents' visitors' parking permits

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed parking permit eligibility amendments in Oxford Barns Road and other locations.

The Chair invited the speaker to address the meeting and responded to points raised.

The Chair discussed with officers the history of parking permit eligibility in Barns Road. Officers explained that as part of the planning requirements for the flats at 242a Barns Road, the dwellings should not have been included in properties eligible to apply for parking permits in the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).

The Chair highlighted consultation responders’ comments on bus services that had been degraded and cycle storage that was not secure.

The Chair confirmed with officers that residents’ parking allocations were not restricted if they had a driveway.

The Chair commented that these flats were the lowest cost accommodation in Oxford and houses in the area, owned by wealthier residents, were allocated two car parking permit spaces, regardless of having a driveway. Owners of apartments were not eligible for any parking space.

The Chair also commented that although understanding the need to reduce car usage, there was a need for a just transition and that the proposal was not just on the grounds of wealth, income and age: young, less wealthy people had no car parking; those who could afford a house have 2 + parking spaces. This cemented and even reinforced the strong association of increased wealth and increased access to a car. It would not be fair to exclude the residents and visitors of 242a Barns Road from having parking permits.  There needed to be a review of all parking permits available and they should be distributed in an equitable way. It was essential for keyworkers to have access to a car.

Officers explained that the Councils policy was to promote car free development. With this development an essential part of obtaining planning permission was that it was car free.

Officers also explained that traffic order changes were not pre-determined, and the Chair had the right to decide to approve or not approve any proposition put forward. In terms of planning, the Council had the right to promote a traffic order to make a development car free, but planning could not mandate it.

Officers recommended that items 6b) – e) were deferred to obtain more background information and to include in the report, the over-arching policy around new developments which would provide key information as to why permits were rescinded and the over-arching reason for doing so. The over-arching policy ultimately sets planning policy and planning decisions as well.

The Chair rejected the officer’s recommendation to exclude the car free development at No.242a Barns Road from eligibility to apply for resident's parking permits & residents' visitors parking permits, on the grounds:

·       that the residents had bought their homes on the basis that there would be parking available,

·       that recent changes included the introduction of the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ),

·       of the degradation of the bus service, which was no longer 24 hours,

·       that visitors parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 132/22

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/136

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Principal Engineer Traffic & Road Safety, anthony.kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM7).

Approval of an amendment to the Traffic Regulation Order to address current difficulties in enforcing parking within the loading bays.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed amendments to waiting restrictions at the loading bays at George Street Oxford.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed amendment to loading bay restrictions.

The Chair read out an email received from a resident requesting that the loading bays be used by restaurants for outside dining when not in use and referred to comments from the consultation regarding a wider discussion on the use of George Street. The Chair pointed out that although this was not part of the decision today, the Council was undertaking the Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework which would be considering allocation of road space, connectivity, environment etc.

Officers explained that the no waiting at any time restriction would be replaced by a no waiting restriction between 10am and 6pm and a single yellow line placed within the current loading bay. This would allow enforcement officers to issue tickets outside of loading bay times as the markings would be correct.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed amendments to waiting restrictions at the loading bays at George Street Oxford:

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/159

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM8).

To consider the outcome of formal consultation to speed limit Traffic Regulation Order.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Launton as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Launton.

The Chair used this opportunity to thank Tim Shickle who had been key to delivering the 20 mph speed limit policy.

The Chair remarked that in terms of the policy, it made sense to put a 20 mph speed limit in this location.

There had been 150 responses to the consultation and the Chair thanked all who had taken the trouble to respond.

The Chair requested that residents contact the Council if they felt that there were areas requiring further traffic calming measures.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Launton as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/089

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM9).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Drayton (Abingdon) as advertised with the sole exception that the terminal of the proposed 20mph limit on the B4017 Steventon Road be moved to a point just northeast of the A34 overbridge.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Drayton (Abingdon).

The Chair and officers had received from Drayton resident’s, several emails in the last 24 hours, objecting to the proposal and declaring that they had not been informed about the proposal in time to respond. In addition to this, there were ongoing discussions between the bus company and officers around the precise geographical extent of the 20 mph scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management DEFERRED this item.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/117

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM10).

To determine the implementation of new speed limits following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Crowmarsh and North Stoke as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits in Crowmarsh Gifford.

Officers commented that there were not many responses to the consultation but there was overall support for the proposal.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Crowmarsh and North Stoke as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/083

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM11).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Cropredy as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Cropredy.

The Chair commented that there was clear geographical justification for the scheme location.

The Chair welcomed the comments from Cherwell District Council and thanked them for engaging in the consultation process and for their detailed comments on where particular speed limits should begin and end. Officers had considered their comments but felt that in the case of Cropredy, the reasons for the proposed location of the speed limits were sound and they  had therefore remained unchanged.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Cropredy as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/075

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM12).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Chipping Norton as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits in Chipping Norton.

The Chair referred to several responders who had commented on the speed limits on the radial routes in and out of Chipping Norton and asked officers to comment. Officers explained that the project was about 20 mph limits in areas where people live, not further out and restricted to where it was felt that compliance could be achieved. Radial routes were already subject to 30 mph speed limits.

The Chair asked officers to comment on evidence that the 20 mph schemes improve road safety. Officers reported that clear evidence showed that the schemes do improve road safety. Road calming measures are more effective but 20mph speed limits are worthwhile.

In response to comments regarding on call Fire Service response times, officers commented that they had fully consulted with the Fire Service, who would have highlighted any concerns if they had any.

The Chair commented on the positive response from the Chair of Governors of a local school who supported the scheme and stated that it would make the school children’s walk to school safer.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Chipping Norton as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/102

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM13).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ascott-under-Wychwood as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Ascott-under-Wychwood.

Officers commented on the concerns of the Parish Council regarding the approach speed on London Lane and informed the Chair that there was currently a 40mph speed buffer being advertised independently of this scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ascott-under-Wychwood as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/088

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM14).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Wroxton and Balscote as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Wroxton and Balscote.

The Chair commented that the scheme was a clear application of the policies principles and rules for both communities.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Wroxton and Balscote as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/087

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM15).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Wardington and its hamlet of Williamscot as advertised.

The report presented the consultation responses to the proposed introduction of 20 mph speed limits and associated speed limit buffers in Wardington.

Officers informed the Chair that Cherwell District Council had responded to the consultation and after considering their comments, officers had decided to continue with the original proposal due to the complexity of having to change signs and posts if the proposed scheme was changed.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Wardington and its hamlet of Williamscot as advertised.